After a year of economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, Canadians are ready to travel again, according to Allianz Global Assistance Canada, which recently conducted its annual Winter Vacation Confidence Study – a survey that reveals that nearly half of Canadians (46%) are confident they will take a winter vacation this year.
This significant increase – up 11 percentage points from last winter – signals that winter getaways are once again top of mind for many Canadians.
The insurance provider’s survey, now in its ninth year, shows that confidence is particularly strong among younger Canadians. Millennials lead the way with 52% planning a winter getaway, followed closely by Gen Z at 48% and Gen X sits at 46%.
At 37% confident, Boomers remain the most hesitant to travel. However, their desire to escape Canada’s winter is making a considerable comeback, improving 11 percentage points compared to last year and contributing significantly to the broader rebound. Families are also driving this resurgence, with 56% of those with children at home planning to travel this winter compared to 42% of those without kids.
Overall, these numbers represent a return to pre-pandemic norms.
Travel over the holiday season is also showing a dramatic return. Nearly one-third of Canadians (32%) plan to travel outside of their home province in late December, almost doubling last year’s figure of 17%. Younger generations and families are leading this trend, with 46% of households with children planning holiday travel compared to 27% without.
Destinations
When it comes to destinations, Canadians are split between warm-weather escapes and local adventures this winter season. Mexico and the Caribbean top the list at 30%, followed closely by domestic travel at 29%. The U.S. and Europe each account for 14%, while 13% plan to explore other international destinations.
Compared to last year, domestic travel plans have grown slightly, while U.S. travel is declining. Boomers are a key contributor to this trend, with only eight% planning to visit the U.S. on their next trip (down 19 percentage points from last year), with their eyes set instead on travel within Canada (39%) and to Mexico and the Caribbean (28% – up nine percentage points from last year).
“We’re seeing a clear resurgence in Canadians’ desire to travel, especially among younger generations,” says Dan Keon, VP of Marketing & Insights at Allianz Global Assistance Canada. “After a challenging year of economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty, Canadians are prioritizing time away.”
But he adds, with this renewed confidence, clients should remember travel insurance.
“Travel is an investment in experiences and memories,” he says. “Protecting that investment is critical, especially in today’s unpredictable travel environment.”
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